I bought this as a gift for my old high school teacher, who once
had a beautiful
owl drachma she wore and cherished, only to have it go missing years later. I very much need to be sure that the description is right, and if dating is possible. Further, if anyone can tell me if the
eagle attacking the
dolphin is symbolic of rivalry between cities, which I think would be
Istros and
Olbia. Any thoughts on the
mythology depicted will deepen the gift. For example, are these a
rare depiction of the
Dioscuri Twins, or are they of
Apollo, and documenting an eclipse?
In hand, it looks real in every way, including what looks like natural
crystallization.
Still, any comments as to authenticity will assure me before giving this meaningful gift. Was the hole drilled or was it hammered with a square nail (as it appears to me)? The
eagle seems depicted more squarish, in a
style I associate more with coins of Greek
Egypt than northern
Greece, but the
dolphin looks right.
Many, many thanks.
Here's the description I was given. The photo is accurate.
Moesia Istros AR
DRACHM 4th Century BC Gemini
Dioscuri Twins
Ancient Greek Silver Coin
Facing male heads, the left inverted /
Sea-eagle left, grasping
dolphin with talons; M-inverted-A
monogram below
dolphin.
SNG
BMC -.
weight-3,69gr diameter-18mm
